Double Mills
Marathon, Brewster County, Texas
Marker Inscription
A natural watering place in prehistoric time, as evidenced by artifacts found here. Used later by Indians and Spaniards on roads from northern Mexico. As Maravillas Creek developed from a draw into water channel, old water hole vanished. About 1900 a rancher, George Miller, dug two wells and put up twin windmills. After that site was called Double Mills. Became campsite for ranchers driving cattle and horses from Mexico or the Chisos Mountains to the railroad at Marathon. Also for wagon trains of ore; and for U.S. troops on border duty. (1967)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
This spot in the Big Bend country was a natural water hole used since prehistoric times, its ancient importance recorded in the artifacts left behind and later by the Indians and Spaniards who traveled the roads up from northern Mexico. When Maravillas Creek cut the old pool away, rancher George Miller dug two wells around 1900 and topped them with twin windmills, giving "Double Mills" its name. It became a vital campsite for cattle drives, ore wagons, and U.S. troops on border patrol.
Why it matters
In an arid land, water dictated who could travel and settle, and Double Mills shows the unbroken thread from Indigenous peoples to Spanish roads to Anglo ranching across the Texas frontier.
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Related people
- · George Miller
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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